A female Australian soldier serving in the Middle East Area of Operations was allegedly sexually assaulted at a military base in Tarin Kot, Uruzgan Province, last month while on deployment in Afghanistan.
The soldier reported the alleged assault to superiors on Wednesday (5 October, 2011) and the matter is now the subject of an investigation.
Further details regarding the alleged assault will not be released while this process is underway.
Defence does not condone inappropriate behaviour and treats such allegations seriously.
Our immediate priority at this time is to provide support and assistance to the soldier and ensure the safety and welfare of our members.
Media contact: Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
